GOAT

Even though animated films typically are released in summer, sometimes film companies like to get a head start prior, even though it's only February. Sony Pictures Animation felt that better now than later to release "GOAT" so as to profit as much as they could considering how aggressive the film industry can be.

From Sony Pictures Animation, comes "GOAT", an original action-comedy set in an all-animal world.The story follows Will (Caleb McLaughlin), a small goat with big dreams who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball--a high intensity, co-ed, full contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will's new teammates, including Jett Fillmore (Gabrielle Union), Lenny Williamson (Stephen Curry), Olivia Burke (Nicola Coughlan), Archie Everhardt (David Harbour) and Modo Olachenko (Nick Kroll) aren't thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that "smalls can ball!"

Others to round out the cast are Aaron Pierce as Mane Attraction, Jenifer Lewis as Flo Everson, Patton Oswalt as Dennis Cooper, Jelly Roll as Grizz, Jennifer Hudson as Louise Harris, Will's mom, Andrew Santino as Chuck, Bobby Lee as Rusty, Ayesha Curry as Carol, Wayne Knight as Frank, Sherry Cola as Hannah and Eduardo Franco as Daryl.

This was directed with excitement, yet grit by Tyree Dillihay (TV and a video) and co-directed by Adam Rosette (TV). Even though neither of these filmmakers have any feature film experience, they definitely proved themselves worthy behind the camera. Are they naturals? Not sure, but suffice it to say, this film was delightfully well organized and well thought out in its staging, pacing, lighting, layouts, etc. They will receive future work. It was well executed by writers Aaron Buchsbaum ((TV) and Teddy Riley (TV), based on a screen story by Nicolas Curcio and Peter Chiarelli, which is inspired by the book "Funky Dunks" by Chris Tougas. Again, these writers, as with the directors have no feature film work under their belts which is amazing. Were there any flaws? Sure, as the film was getting going, the story, at first, seemed like I've seen this story many times over--simply take out the animals and put in people and viola, a very similar story. But, as the story continued to unfold, the plot became more interesting--a bit different than the usual underdog with raw talent, but not given the opportunity to showcase what they can do, even with a certain amount of support. This film was written in a way that each teammate had their own 'crosses to bare', not just Will, so it created more of an interest. Then the film picked up and it became a very effective film. The animation by Sony Pictures Animation was perfection and truly enhanced the story even more. 

First of all, if you like animation, this hits a home run, and secondly, if you like a great underdog story, which most people do, then this will be a film that you'll want to bring the entire family to see. And the story certainly teaches us all that we need each other and that 'no man is an island', and that whatever is going on in our lives, we can't do it on our own.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                  Rated: PG                                        100mins.